As 2025 comes to an end, there were many memorable moments within the UFC. From historical feats, highlight reel finishes, and career-defining victories. There are also several rising stars, who were nothing short of exciting. Among them is 26-year-old undefeated welterweight contender Michael Morales (19-0).
Since his UFC debut in 2022, the native of Pasaje, El Oro, Ecuador, has demonstrated his ability to finish opponents. He added to that resume when he secured early finishes over two top names at 170 pounds: Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady this year. He has since moved up to No. 4 in our welterweight rankings. He is undoubtedly one of the most exciting names in the division, and making his case for a title shot.
With all of that in mind, let’s take a deep dive into why Michael Morales is our 2025 UFC Fighter of the Year.
Michael Morales Sends Loud Message to Division
In May, Morales took on the former title challenger Burns in the headliner of UFC Fight Night 256. “Durinho” aimed to snap a three-fight losing streak and avoid falling further down the 170-pound rankings. Instead, a relentless Morales knocked Burns down twice, en route to a dominant first-round TKO win. He also outlanded Burns, connecting on 33 total strikes, while Burns managed to land just five.
The victory over the native of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, sent a loud and clear statement to the rest of the division. Morales was no longer a prospect and was now becoming one of the best 170-pounders in the world.
Michael Morales Makes Destructive Claim as Title Contender
In November, Morales went up against the highly regarded Brady on the undercard of UFC 322. The native of Philadelphia was ranked No. 2 at the time and on the verge of a title shot. Brady was also coming off a fourth-round submission win over former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards at UFC Fight Night 255 in March and had won three consecutive fights, including two submission victories.
The underdog Morales’ right hand put Brady into trouble early on, as he went down against the canvas in the first round. Morales then followed up with strikes on the ground before referee Blake Grice called the contest to a stoppage. It was Morales’ third consecutive first-round stoppage victory and Performance of the Night bonus, in as many fights.
He has continued to call for his shot against the 170-pound kingpin, Islam Makhachev. Since he joined the promotion, Morales has won seven consecutive fights. Only two of those wins have been decided by the judges. After a dominant 2025, there’s no doubt that Morales isn’t far off from competing for the championship title. Will he get that call in 2026?
